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1. Why does the City flush hydrants?

Regular flushing improves drinking water quality by removing sediments from inside the mainline and flushing them out through the hydrant. It also serves to identify malfunctions of the hydrant and related valves.

2. When does the City flush hydrants?

The City utility maintenance crews typically flush hydrants throughout the city one time in the spring and again in the fall. Hydrant flushing occurs during construction and water main breaks as well. 

3. Why is my water discolored?

You may notice a color change in your tap water following the flushing of the water main, during construction near your street and following a nearby water main break. The discoloration is normal and will last only a short time after the nearby hydrants have been flushed. When a hydrant is opened, the water in the mainline flows out at a high velocity. This creates a scouring action in the pipe which dislodges fine sediment particles that have accumulated in the pipe. The discoloration is due to suspended particles mixing with water that do not immediately settle.

During construction, frequent opening and closing of the gate valves leads to the same scouring action as during flushing. A significant amount of hydrant flushing occurs during construction and water main breaks, but some sediment usually ends up in water services too. There are no known health hazards associated with the discolored water. 

4. What should I do if my water is discolored?

The discolored water is safe for drinking, but you may choose to reschedule laundry, especially whites, or other work that may be impacted by discoloration. The best way to clear the water is by turning on the cold water in a basement utility tub or an outside spigot for a few minutes. If that doesn’t clear it up, please contact City Hall at 651-204-6000. The hydrants may require additional flushing. 

5. Is the City wasting water when it flushes hydrants?

Flushing hydrants is an important component of a routine maintenance program necessary to maintain the integrity of the water system. This allows the City to continue to deliver high quality water to our customers. It is necessary to periodically flush water through the main lines in order to protect the quality of your drinking water. The volume of water that is released through a fire hydrant quickly flushes off sediment that accumulates on the bottom of the water mains and helps keep the water in the system fresh and clean. This is an important preventative maintenance activity.

6. Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

Once in a great while, your water may have a “rotten egg” odor. This odor is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. The odor is unpleasant, but the gas is not usually harmful at the low concentrations that occur in household water systems. For advice on how to get rid of the odor, please contact City Engineer Jesse Farrell by email or at 651-204-6050.

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1. How is my sewer bill calculated?

Quarterly sewer charge is calculated using a base charge plus usage. Minimum basis for charge is 6,000 gallons regardless of water use. The usage is based on water consumption for the quarter. 

The charge for the third quarter may be adjusted to address irrigation water use. Recognizing that the third quarter has always been the highest water-using quarter, primarily due to irrigation activities, sewer charges for this quarter will be based on water usage during the second and third quarters. The lower water usage of these two quarters will be the basis for sewer charges in the third quarter.

2. Why is my bill higher than usual?

Second quarter sewer billings may be higher for those with high discretionary water use during the quarter. Water conservation has become an increasing concern, especially in our immediate area. The U of MN Extension Service states that lawn irrigation activities should commence in early July in this area based on typical weather patterns. Second quarter irrigation activity should not be substantial if these guidelines are followed.

Additional causes for a higher than usual bill may be an irrigation leak, water softener, leaky faucet or fixtures, leaky or running toilet, or recent change in water usage. 

3. What can I do to lower my bill?

When turning your irrigation system on in the spring – check the run schedule. Make sure the run schedule matches the City’s odd/even Sprinkling Policy. If an irrigation company turns on your system, double check that the run schedule is set properly. Most run schedules are set for very early morning and may be running when you don’t want/need watering to take place. Most modern irrigation systems can be programmed with a rain sensor.

Keep in mind, an odd/even watering schedule is a helpful way to organize water use in the City, but in rainy weeks your lawn will likely not require watering. Visit our Watering Tips page for best practices on conserving water. For more tips on how you can conserve water in your home, visit the Minnesota DNR website and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website. 

4. Should I get an irrigation meter?

Customers who feel the need for heavy discretionary water usage have the option of installing a separate irrigation meter as many of our commercial customers have done. Water flowing through these meters is not subject to sanitary sewer charges as this water does not enter the sanitary sewer system.

5. How do I get an irrigation meter and what does it cost?

Installing an irrigation meter involves the purchase of a separate meter, radio and installation. Meters may be purchased from the city and installed by a plumber of your choice. The total cost of the install is dependent on individual circumstances and the plumbing company used. A permit must be obtained from the city to ensure correct installation of the meter and the radio read hardware. The current cost of a ¾” meter and radio is $250.08. The installation cost varies depending on installation-specific characteristics.

For more questions on getting an irrigation meter, please contact City Hall at 651-204-6000.

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1. How do I contact the Mayor and City Council members?

You may call, write, or send email messages to the Mayor and Council Members. For address, phone and email addresses for the Mayor and Council Members, please visit the City Council page.

2. What are City Hall’s hours?

Regular business hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. City offices are closed in observance of these holidays:
· New Years Day
· Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
· Presidents’ Day
· Memorial Day
· Independence Day
· Labor Day
· Veterans Day
· Thanksgiving Day
· Day after Thanksgiving
· Christmas Eve Day
· Christmas Day

3. How do I find out about Park and Recreation programs?

For information on the most recent Parks and Recreation programs, please visit the Recreation page.

4. Who provides police protection?

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department provides law enforcement services to our community. Vadnais Heights contract for this service along with Arden Hills, Shoreview, Little Canada, White Bear Township, North Oaks and Falcon Heights.

In addition to patrolling, services include investigation, traffic, records, DARE, crime prevention, and supervision. The City is also served by the Sheriff’s communications center, the Water Patrol, and the SWAT team.

5. When do I put out my recycling?

Recycling is picked up every other Wednesday, except for holidays. For more information, please visit the Refuse and Recycling webpage.

6. How is it determined which streets get repaired each year?

The goal of street maintenance is to keep City streets in good condition to avoid costly repairs and reconstruction. The City normally takes care of pothole patching and routine maintenance with our own staff. Larger projects are completed annually with contractors through a bid process. Residents affected by larger projects will be notified by the City well in advance of the work. For more information about this process, you may contact City Engineer Mark Graham.

7. When is the City’s tax levy determined?

The City begins planning its budget in March for the following fiscal year. The City’s fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31. The budget is based upon strategic planning in which the City Council and others are involved.

By Minnesota law, the City Council must adopt the preliminary tax levy on or before September 30. The City’s final levy is adopted in December. Further questions should be directed to the City’s Finance Director at 651-204-6020.

Ramsey County bills and collects all property taxes. Payment by check should be mailed to:

Ramsey County
50 West Kellogg Boulevard, W
Suite 820
St. Paul, MN 55102

The County also accepts electronic payments.

8. When is the annual City clean-up day?

Clean out garages, basements, and yards as part of the community clean-up day. Clean-up day is normally the fourth Saturday in April each year at Community Park on County Road F from the hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The clean-up day service is available to residents. Please be prepared to show proof of residency and to help unload your vehicle. Items should be separated before arriving at the collection site. Brush and compost materials are not accepted as part of the clean-up day.

For more information on accepted items, please visit the Refuse and Recycling page.

9. Who do I call if I believe a City Code is being violated by another property owner?

The City Code Officer is Fire Chief Chris Hearden. City staff will investigate as appropriate. Please know that there may be some instances where the City may not be able to intervene. If you believe that a City Code is being violated, please contact

Fire Chief Chris Hearden.

10. Who do I call if I have a snow plowing question or comment?

Please contact City Engineer Jesse Farrell. 

Jessie Farrell.

11. When are City Council meetings held?

City Council meetings are held the first and third Tuesday at City Hall at 7 p.m. The meetings are also telecast on local cable Channel 16. The meetings are also rebroadcast several times between meetings. Every meeting includes an opportunity for any member of the public to address the City Council. The agendas and supporting documents are posted on the City website under our Agenda Center. 

City's website.